HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss head men's basketball coach Larry Eustachy has announced the signing of Josimar Ayarza to a national letter-of-intent and grant-in-aid for the 2009-10 academic year.

Ayarza, a 6-8, 230-pound forward out of Panama City, Panama, will join the Golden Eagles for the 2009-10 school year.

"I really think (Josimar) is as good a front line player that we have signed since I've been here because of his versatility," said Eustachy. "He's 6-8 and he can shoot the three-point shot or post up. He's very physical, and I really think he could play for anybody. Time will tell, but I'm really high on him."

Ayarza is currently in his second season at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo. Last year, he put his name into the Cuesta record books, averaging 18.7 points per game and 8.2 rebounds/g, which are seventh and sixth best for a season all-time at Cuesta. He also made an impact defensively, recording 72 blocks.

This year, through four games, Ayarza is again leading the Cougars in points and rebounds He is fourth in points in the Western State Conference, averaging 21.5 points, while pulling down 10.3 rebounds/g. Ayarza is also shooting 58.5-percent from the field while helping Cuesta to a 3-1 record.

In 2005, Ayarza was selected by the Panamanian Basketball Federation to represent Panama in the 2005 Bolivarian Games and FIBA Americas Championship.